RUSTY KNIFE
A NIKKATSU PRODUCTION
NIKKATSU SCOPE
Boss. They're here.
Guys. Remember what I said.
They've got nothing on me.
I'll be back as soon as they let me out of there.
I almost envy you. You can catch up on your sleep.
Bonjour, monsieur.
Welcome.
What can I do for you? I'm just running a trucking company.
You know you were subpoenaed.
Let me guess. You're here to give me a ride.
This is a warrant for your arrest.
I see.
All this for one little fight?
I'm not going to argue. Let's go then.
Let's get this thing over with.
Oh, my.
Are you going to cuff me?
I'm sure the citizens will feel safer when they see me in cuffs.
They don't have enough evidence to keep him.
I'm sure he'll be out in a couple of days.
- The same story every time. - The police are cowards.
No one will testify against them.
God, no.
Let sleeping dogs lie.
In sands of the sand dune
It was buried deep down Produced by TAKIKO MIZUNOE Written by SHINTARO ISHIHARA
It was buried deep down Screenplay by SHINTARO ISHIHARA and TOSHIO MASUDA
Cinematography by KURATARO TAKAMURA
It's gone rusty red Cinematography by KURATARO TAKAMURA
It's gone rusty red Lighting by MITSUO ONISHI Recording by FUMIO HASHIMOTO
Art Direction by TAKASHI MATSUYAMA Edited by MASANORI TSUJII
I found my old jackknife Art Direction by TAKASHI MATSUYAMA Edited by MASANORI TSUJII
I found my old jackknife
Music by MASARU SATO
Theme song performed by YUJIRO ISHIHARA
RUSTY KNIFE
YUJIRO ISHIHARA MIE KITAHARA
SHOJI YASUI MARI SHIRAKI
JOE SHISHIDO AKIRA KOBAYASHI
MASAO SHIMIZU KAORU KUSUDA
NAOKI SUGIURA TOSHIO TAKAHARA
Directed by TOSHIO MASUDA
This is Udaka City.
It's a newly developed industrial town in western Japan.
Military plants built during the war are now being used
for postwar peace operations.
Old and new have uniquely coexisted, contributing to the development of the city.
The city has one thing in common with other growing communities nationwide -
crime organizations have taken root in this growing city.
Katsumata, who was just arrested, is one of the weeds.
UDAKA DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Are you going to keep Katsumata?
Give us something.
Please be quiet.
All I can tell you is this is simply an assault case.
Katsumata is in our custody,
so we will question him and try to connect him
to the cold cases we think he's responsible for.
You think it's that easy?
Can you prove it?
It's one thing to know about it, but -
- You know what? - You're right.
That's exactly why we need witnesses to come forward.
KATSUMATA ARRESTED AGAIN D.A. SEARCHES FOR WITNESSES
LITTLE CHANCE FOR KATSUMATA INDICTMENT
CASE AGAINST KATSUMATA STALLED D.A. KARITA PLEADS FOR PUBLIC'S HELP
JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA EXTEND TALKS
UDAKA FIGHTS LOCAL GANGS WITH LITTLE TO GO ON
- Hello. - Welcome.
What is it, Shima? What are you smiling about?
Something good?
Yoko. Bring me a pen and paper.
And an envelope.
For a letter?
To a woman? - Shut up and go.
Kano, Takaishi. Come here.
Remember Councilman Nishida's suicide five years ago?
Oh, yeah.
It may have been homicide.
What?
And we have a witness.
- Homicide? - Yes. According to this letter.
And the writer fingers Katsumata.
Katsumata?
"Mr. Nishida was concerned about his personal safety
because of a dispute at the city council or business troubles.
He hired three bodyguards from the Mishima family.
The family's power was diminishing,
yet they were still able to compete with the Katsumatas,
who were relatively new to the city.
I was one of the bodyguards."
One night
we broke into Nishida's office to steal money from his safe
to pay our bookie.
In the office, we all witnessed Katsumata and his thugs
hanging Nishida's body, faking his suicide.
Katsumata found out I was there and tried to buy my silence.
And I agreed.
However, I want to help the police now.
I'm willing to testify against him.
I am not the only one who can testify.
There are two more witnesses.
Three men -
"...witnessed Katsumata commit the crime."
But, Mr. Karita, this is an anonymous letter.
It's possible this guy's trying to blackmail Katsumata.
He once belonged to the yakuza family
who competed with the Katsumatas.
This is our chance.
We had to release Katsumata again.
But this time it's different.
We'll find these witnesses. - Yes, sir.
CONGRATULATIONS MR. KIYOSHI KATSUMATA
So, one of the three guys sent the letter to the police.
I guess so.
And the same guy sent me this.
"The hush money you gave me is long gone.
I'll stay quiet if you send me more.
P.O. Box 195 at Hosei Post Office in Itabashi, Tokyo.
Send 200,000 yen by the end of February.
It's up to you.
I'll testify for the prosecution if you don't pay me."
One of the three guys -
They were Tachibana, Shimabara and Terada.
Tachibana, the sleeping lion.
Wake him up and you're dead. He's scary.
Tachibana and Terada still live here.
The letter is postmarked Tokyo.
That means this letter came from -
Shimabara.
Call Takemura in Tokyo.
And send a postal money order of 100,000 yen.
Wow. Look at that. Take me some place nice.
I'd love to. But I have something to take care of first.
Here's some for you.
Wait till I come back.
Going on vacation?
With who? - It's nothing like that.
It's a business trip.
I'll make a fortune.
Where are you going?
You're so quiet. What's wrong?
Here.
Listen. If something happens to me - - What?
Nothing.
You know what?
If I don't come back after 10 days,
mail this.
Ten days, okay?
What time are we arriving at Udaka tomorrow?
10:35 tomorrow morning.
- Please send this telegram. - Certainly.
The train is arriving on track two.
Please stand behind the white line.
Udaka. Udaka.
The train will depart in one minute.
Those of you traveling to Okuyama, please board now.
Those of you transferring to Seibu line,
please proceed to track five.
You're being followed. I'm with the police.
It's not safe here.
We'll protect you. We'll get off at the next station.
We're with the police.
You've been followed by a Katsumata member for some time now.
Don't worry. Let's go.
- Are you guys really - - Sure. We're the police.
Where are you taking me?
We'll get off at the next stop and you'll be somewhere safe.
Good.
Actually, you're not going anywhere.
You're Takaeda, right? And Muramatsu.
I'm happy that you're here.
Don't put up a fight.
It's getting closer and closer.
Here we go.
ATTN: MR. KARITA UDAKA DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
According to this letter,
he was on his way here eight days ago
and was going to meet with Katsumata.
Yet, he failed to extort any money.
Something happened to this guy.
Eight days ago -
Of course.
That John Doe must be him. Shimabara.
Call Tokyo Police and ID the body right away.
We lost a witness.
He gave us the names in the letter.
The names of the two witnesses.
Who are they?
Tachibana and Terada.
They were with the Mishimas before the family broke up.
- Should we pay them a visit? - Yes. Right away.
Yes, sir.
BAR CAMARADE
You hear me, Tachibana?
I'm going back to Tokyo tomorrow. I'll find you a job there.
Whatever you say.
You guys have been talking about Tokyo all night long.
You have your business here.
Why would you become a boring business man?
I'll tell you why.
Because I have a rap sheet here and Mano is worried about me.
Hey.
He's a romantic, you know.
His first girlfriend killed herself after getting involved with a bad guy.
He stabbed him for revenge.
Hey. Will you stop it?
He hasn't let a woman get close since she died.
That's why you named this place Camarade,
which means buddy.
Yeah.
A happy couple like you two shouldn't be worrying about it.
Give me a break.
Hello.
Long time no see.
What can I get you?
Looks like you're doing well going straight.
What would you like, gentlemen?
Give me White Horse.
You mad dog.
I'll drink to Yukihiko Tachibana's successful transformation.
Go ahead.
Anything to help business.
Actually, there's something we'd like to talk about.
Will you step outside?
I'm busy here.
Keep the change.
We'll be back.
Good evening.
Great catching up with you the other day.
I had a great time.
That son of a bitch.
Bastard.
- Tachibana? - Yes.
That's Terada there, right?
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm Karita from the D.A.'s office.
Why were those guys here?
I don't know. They're paying customers.
We need your help -
on Councilman Nishida's homicide case from five years ago.
Excuse me?
What did you just say?
Are you his daughter?
We're sorry.
My father -
Didn't he commit suicide?
We're not sure.
There's a possibility that he didn't.
I don't know how I can help you.
Talking shop at my bar is bad for business.
Will you follow me?
Why are you here?
Tell us what you saw.
Your cooperation will help clean up the streets.
You can make a difference in this country.
I don't understand. What are you talking about?
Listen.
Five years ago,
you and Terada were witnesses to Mr. Nishida's death.
Just tell us what you saw.
Shimabara was found dead. - What?
The Katsumata family.
He was going to testify against him.
Counselor.
I don't know what you heard.
I didn't see anything. I don't know anything.
I'm a good citizen now, making an honest living.
But years ago, you were -
Years ago?
Yes, I killed a man for a girl. And I've paid my dues.
- I take it back. I apologize. - You're not wrong.
I can't change the past.
Everyone in this city knows what I did.
They look at me and say, "He's a criminal."
Which is true.
I shouldn't be angry at someone who states a fact, should I?
I didn't mean that.
Counselor.
Terada and I are straight now.
We've buried our past.
We have nothing to do with that world anymore.
That's all I have to say.
I see.
Sorry to have bothered you.
But we'll be back. We really need your help.
I don't see how I can help you.
I think you do.
Don't worry.
He won't talk.
I'm more concerned about Terada.
He's young and reckless.
Before it's too late, we should -
Here she is.
Are you okay?
I'm a little drunk.
I needed some air.
Shall we go? - Yeah. Let's go.
Are you guys leaving?
Tachibana.
No matter what, be patient. Don't do anything stupid.
Thanks.
I'll get you a job in Tokyo.
I'm counting on you.
I've had enough of this city. - Okay, then.
Take care.
Boss. Is everything okay?
Somebody's trying to dig up our past.
Who?
Doesn't matter.
Listen, Makoto.
We've turned our lives around.
We've buried our past.
Don't ever go back.
I know.
- Good evening. - Hi there.
We can do the rest tomorrow. Call it a night?
Well -
There's just a little more. I'll finish it up.
You go ahead.
Thanks. I'm going to bed.
Mrs. Tsukamoto called. She's sick.
I'm going to see how she's doing.
You.
You're a terrible liar.
You're going to a club. - No, I'm not.
It's all right.
Don't stay out too late.
Stay away from Yuri though. Understand?
Of course. She's a slut.
Later.
I heard you. You called me a slut.
Don't be upset.
He won't be on my case anymore.
Now, let's go.
I don't like him. He's a little scary.
Don't be silly. You don't know him.
He's a good guy.
He means more to me than my parents.
What the hell? - What are you doing?
- It's okay. Don't worry. - Get out of my way.
We'll bring him right back.
KATSUMATA TRUCKING COMPANY
I don't know what you want. I'm straight now.
Leave me alone. - All right.
Listen carefully.
Do you remember Shimabara?
Shimabara?
You guys were bodyguards for Councilman Nishida.
Flush. I'm feeling lucky.
He's dead.
He fell on to some train tracks.
His body was ripped to pieces.
That was eight days ago.
Sorry. I win again.
Don't be scared. Sit down.
Don't get me wrong.
We don't want to hurt you.
All you have to do is be quiet - especially to the D.A.'s office.
You know what? He tried to blackmail me.
You live here. I'm not that worried about you.
But don't make me do anything that the D.A. Can use against me.
Then why -
To be on the safe side.
Like you did back then, tell them you don't know anything.
Here's 100,000 yen.
We're done here.
You can go now.
Here's a piece of advice. Don't do anything stupid.
Don't you dare blackmail me or testify
and try to be a hero.
Get up.
Take the money.
I'm not the only one.
Remember?
Of course, I remember. No need to remind me.
Stop lying.
The letter from Shimabara contains your two names.
You don't have to shout.
Listen, Terada.
Please testify.
Testify in court and help us convict Katsumata of murder.
Once we do that,
the witnesses in other cases will come forward.
You'll be protected by the police. - That's right.
Can't do that.
I really didn't see anything.
You're lying.
The letter says otherwise.
Is Katsumata threatening you? Did he buy you off?
Give me a break.
It's true. Three of us did go to Nishida's office.
But I didn't go inside. I was a lookout.
Damn it.
NUK BROADCASTING, INC.
STUDIO 2
Uncle Mano. What are you doing here?
I was just interviewed about the city's current affairs.
- You're already campaigning, aren't you? - You're sharp as always.
I understand you had fun last night. - Oh, stop it.
Has Akira left already?
Yes. I just came back from the station.
I hope you two have set a date?
- I wouldn't waste my money on a ceremony. - I see.
Well, I have to go. I'll stop by soon.
She's a remarkable young woman.
Very outspoken. She's just like her late father.
Miss Nishida.
I was at the bar last night.
Can I help you?
Yes. Do you have a minute?
Sure.
I was living in a dorm when my father died.
I don't know much about his daily activities at that time.
My mother had passed away. It was just the two of us.
Tell me. Was he really murdered?
We have no proof yet,
but we received an anonymous letter suggesting so.
That sounds just like Katsumata.
Shimabara was blackmailing Katsumata and ended up dead.
What about Tachibana?
Tachibana, Terada and Shimabara.
These men are witnesses.
I see.
I'd like to cooperate any way I can.
I'm interviewing people today for a story on violence.
That's great.
That will educate people in the community.
Exactly.
People just don't understand.
It drives me crazy.
Thank you for your efforts.
Well, I have to go.
What a nice young lady.
If I had a son that age -
Hi. How is it going?
- Who was that woman? - Her? She's a close friend of mine.
Ouch!
Oh, no. Stop! Stop!
Stop the bike. Makoto, stop!
Hang on.
Let me off. Stop the bike.
Don't be jealous. You're the only one for me.
Yeah, right.
So, what happened with the police? - Oh, that.
It was nothing. They're fools.
No. We lost again.
- Anything? - No. Nothing so far.
Oh. I like this one.
I can't afford it.
Maybe someday. Be patient.
I want it now.
Give me a break, will you?
Fine.
I'll find something you can afford.
Eeny, meeny, miny, mo
Catch a tiger by his toe
Oh, I want this.
Will you?
Sure thing.
The detective tailing Terada says
he's been burning money all over town.
And we don't know where he got it.
- You think he was bought off? - Yeah.
Tachibana too?
We go way back, right?
Man. You've changed.
You're wasting your time. Don't come here again.
Well, then. So you won't talk?
I don't remember anything.
Merci.
Well, I'll be going.
You're an old-school guy.
Why don't you just take the money?
I've heard about you.
After spending five years in the joint, you couldn't land a normal job.
Somehow you managed to get the money to open this place.
But you're barely making it.
You could use this, couldn't you?
On the other hand, Terada took the money and he's having lots of fun.
He could teach you a thing or two.
So, you want to change your mind?
What the hell?
What are you doing?
Did you say Terada took money from Katsumata?
Let me go.
Say it.
Are you sure he took it?
I couldn't breathe.
You could've killed me.
That sure brings back memories.
Good old Yukihiko Tachibana.
I guess some things never change.
Get lost.
Get out of here.
I'll see you soon. Adieu.
Au revoir, monsieur.
With these hands -
I killed a man with these hands.
The disease.
I still have it.
What's wrong?
- How's it going? - I saw Katsumata's guy leaving.
I'm working on a story on violence.
Will you speak on camera?
As a former gangster?
A violent gangster turned model citizen. Tachibana tells all.
What do you think?
Excuse me.
What do you want from me?
He reveals the inner workings of the criminal underground.
We should ask ourselves:
He seems to be a model citizen, but can we really trust him?
Aren't you going to get angry?
Haven't I insulted you enough?
Well...
I don't want to get angry.
You've gone soft.
You're a coward. You're just afraid.
That's why you're not testifying in my father's murder case.
I have a selective memory. It's pretty convenient.
I see.
I was wrong about you.
I overestimated you.
Will you think about it though?
It's not just for me.
The people in this city
are suffering and fearful.
They're afraid.
With your testimony, they can start living without fear.
There are so many of them around here.
It's hard to talk about it because I'm so afraid.
About five years ago, there was this incident.
There used be a small, family-run restaurant near my place.
The only daughter, named Yuki, was a pretty little thing.
Lots of gang members went to the restaurant to see her.
One night, one of them took her out and she didn't come home.
She was found hung dead in the morning, on the premises of a nearby temple.
Leave.
Please leave.
Basically, one of them took Yuki by force,
and they raped her.
Poor girl.
She killed herself.
I think she was seeing someone.
"They"?
They - No. That can't be.
Where -
Where can I find this woman?
Take me there.
I know. I talk too much. Sometimes I just can't stand it.
Use thicker curlers there.
I promise you,
if you can help us, I'll erase the recording.
I don't know. I don't know anything about those machines.
Besides, I don't want to get in trouble.
Please, madam.
You're right.
You said Yuki had a boyfriend. That was me.
Is that true?
I'm sorry. She was such a nice girl.
It's not that I saw it.
Well, this girl Tamae was a live-in intern here.
She was walking through the temple when she saw them.
- Where are you taking me? - I just want to talk to you.
- What do you want? - Relax. It'll just take a minute.
Let go of me.
I just want to talk.
- I'm not going. - Shut up and walk.
She's here.
- Here we are. - What's going on?
We're not going to hurt you.
I see. You were her boyfriend.
Who were those guys?
I don't know. I'm not the one who saw it.
Where is Tamae now?
She married a farmer. They live in Oshima.
I told her not to say anything. Ever.
Listen to me. Now I'm the one talking.
Me and my big mouth.
Thank you so much.
Wait. Erase the recording.
Tachibana.
Thank you for your help.
I wouldn't have learned all this if it weren't for you.
- Are you going to go see her? - Yes.
I can't just sit here. I need to know.
Know what?
I thought Miyamoto took her.
I killed him because I thought he alone was to blame.
It's possible that -
I don't know anything anymore.
Everything is so complicated. It seems like one big puzzle.
Did I -
Did I kill the wrong guy?
Please.
I'm not here to cause you any trouble.
Excuse me.
Will you talk to me?
Are you just going to ignore me?
Are you? Hello?
Honey. Get rid of this creep.
- What are you talking about? - Get him out of here.
Please listen.
- You bastard. - You're wrong. Listen to me.
- What are you doing here? - Wait. I'm not here to -
SHINGO MANO
- Let's call it a night. - Thank you for having us.
Next time, let's talk about the construction of -
Who do you think I am, the Emperor? I can't make everything happen.
- Good night, sir. - Have a good evening.
- Hello, miss. - How are you?
I didn't know you were here. Were you waiting?
No. I just got here.
What did you want to see me for? - I wanted to see your face.
Come here. Let's have some tea.
Have a seat.
I heard you've been spending time with that guy Tachibana.
It's not like that.
He and Akira have been friends since they were in school.
I used to tell Akira too. Don't get involved with him.
Why?
He has a criminal record.
What's wrong with that?
Yukihiko Tachibana.
His recklessness was notorious, even within the Mishima family.
He stabbed a man to death in a fight.
- But he's changed - - People don't change so easily.
And everyone remembers.
You and Akira are getting married soon.
I know.
But are you saying I shouldn't talk to men except for Akira?
I just want you to stay away from Tachibana.
He's a witness to my father's murder.
What?
Nishida killed himself.
No, he didn't.
He was murdered.
I don't believe it.
Uncle Mano.
I've been looking into my father's business leading up to the day he died.
The two of you had a dispute over the concession of the bus system.
Now that you mention it, yes.
It's called politics.
Even best friends have to fight for what they believe in,
for the betterment of the city.
Has the city always run on such lofty ideals?
That's right.
We had a dispute over policies,
but we remained close friends in our personal lives.
That's why I've been your legal guardian ever since he died.
You're right.
Oh, man.
I'm late. I need an excuse.
You're scared of him, aren't you?
No, I'm not.
CLOSED
Huh?
Something is wrong.
Something is definitely wrong.
I wonder what happened. - What?
Never mind.
I guess I'm off today.
Hey, guys.
Maybe you've had too much.
I'm fine.
No matter how much I drink nothing changes, you know?
It won't save me either.
I'm going to get some sleep.
I'll sleep and try to forget everything.
- I'm leaving too. - Okay.
What are you doing?
I can do whatever I want. This is my room.
Didn't I tell you?
Stay away from her.
What do you have against Yuri?
Do as I say.
Get her out of here.
I'm not leaving.
Leave us alone. It's none of your business.
I love him.
Do you?
Of course you love Makoto.
Makoto is rich these days.
Makoto.
I know you took Katsumata's money.
Don't you know what it means to accept money from him?
It's just hush money.
You're such a kid.
Do you think the most ruthless family will cut you loose that easy?
Yes, I do.
And I'm not a kid.
I'm not your servant either. You can't boss me around.
Idiot. When did I say that you were?
"Idiot"?
Forget it. I'm free to do whatever I want.
Stop butting in to other people's lives.
- "Other people"? - That's right.
I'm still young.
I don't want to make cocktails for strangers every night.
Life is short.
I want mine to be fun and exciting.
How about you?
Ever since the incident, you haven't been with a girl.
You're just jealous of me and Yuri.
That's why - - No!
Are you going to hit me?
I was just kidding around.
- Hitting someone is a joke? - I wasn't -
I apologize.
- You still can't control yourself. - What?
Just like you used to be. You get angry and lose control.
Shut up.
Makoto. Why are you looking at me like that?
Don't look at me like that.
You don't like the way I look?
I can't change it.
Makoto.
What's happened to you?
You weren't like this until yesterday.
When - When did it change between us?
I haven't changed.
I've had enough. I'm out of here. - Makoto.
Are you serious? Are you really leaving?
Yeah.
Put your clothes on. - Okay.
Oh, yeah. There's something I want to tell you.
It will do you some good.
You'll see how reckless you were.
You got so angry when you heard Miyamoto raped Yuki,
you killed him for revenge and did five years.
Miyamoto wasn't the only one who raped her.
Where did you hear that?
A guy from the Katsumata family.
They were laughing at you, saying, "That fool jumped the gun."
I couldn't say anything.
Katsumata did her first. And the rest of them followed.
That's the reason she hung herself.
Are you sure? Really?
What else can I do?
We have our own lives.
Katsumata.
Katsumata is the one.
I understand, sir.
I know you think you're doing everything you can,
but get rid of Tachibana and the other kid immediately,
so they can't bother us again. - Yes, sir.
I'll take care of them.
Terada is here, with his girlfriend.
I'll be right there.
Wow.
What a surprise.
Look what the cat dragged in.
Mr. Katsumata.
I'm leaving town, just like you wanted me to.
You'll sleep better if I'm out of sight, right?
I'm out of here. For you.
- Where? - I don't know.
I can't tell you that.
How about a going away gift?
Of course.
I'm glad that you stopped by. How much?
200,000 yen.
That's it? That's very modest.
That sounds about right.
What the hell?
Bastard. - You little punk.
You know what? I already have your destination picked out.
And I'll pay your way. This is going to be fun.
- Makoto. - Hold it.
Don't touch me.
Don't worry, sweetheart.
- Shut up. - You won't be Ionely.
I'll take good care of you.
Hey. Watch this.
Son of a bitch.
Get up.
- Makoto. - Stop it.
Don't go anywhere. I'll be right back.
I like this one.
You'll be better off with me. You'll see.
- What's the plan? - We'll dump him in the ocean.
There.
KATSUMATA TRUCKING CO.
Is someone tailing us?
Looks like it. We're being followed.
Who is it?
Bastards.
It's him. It's Tachibana.
That son of a bitch.
Punk.
Wow. He's good.
Makoto. Wake up, Makoto.
Makoto.
Makoto. Open your eyes.
Hey, stay with me. Makoto.
Are you all right?
Take this, you son of a bitch.
You bastard.
Makoto. Get up. Stand up.
Go see Karita. Tell him what we saw five years ago.
Makoto. Go!
Get up, you bastard.
Makoto.
Scumbag.
Boss.
Just go! I can handle this.
All right.
- Boss. Boss. - Finally.
Make the call, then follow the kid.
Hold it.
It was you.
You raped her. You killed her five years ago.
I had so much fun.
Damn you. Are you proud of yourself?
You worthless scum.
Do you want to kill me?
Damn right. I'll kill you.
Now what?
We're going to the D.A.'s office.
And you'll make a statement about Nishida's murder.
Fine.
But think about it.
You used to be one of us.
You should know better.
Putting me away won't change - - I don't care about that.
I despise you.
So, this is about the girl.
Actually, there was someone else behind all of it.
I wasn't the ringleader. - What?
The guy's a dirty old man.
He wanted Yuki so bad. - Who is it?
He tried hard, but she never gave in.
There's a fine line between love and hate.
He used us to - - Shut up.
You think I believe you?
You think I'm lying?
Here's another thing.
The murder of Nishida -
We did it for the same big shot.
You don't know the whole story.
Tell me. Give him up.
Let's go.
Just tell me. Who is it?
Give him up.
Let's see. I don't recall his name.
Kill me if you want to. - You.
Go to hell.
Mr. Karita. Counselor Karita!
Mr. Karita!
Is that you, Terada? What's going on?
- I want to see Mr. Karita. - Calm down.
I need to see him. I'll tell him everything I saw.
You will? That's great. You've made the right decision.
Mr. Karita just went home.
I need to see him right now.
The Katsumatas may be on their way.
- Let's call him. - Yeah, I'm on it.
- I'll try to calm him down. - Thank you.
This way.
Are we really safe here?
Of course. Sit down.
You know where you are.
You don't have to worry, okay?
How about some -
I'll make some tea.
I don't want any tea.
Don't leave me alone.
You sound like a little boy who's had a nightmare.
I'll be right back.
Thank you for coming back.
Counselor.
Tachibana.
Here I am.
I've got something for you.
- Put him in a cell. - Okay.
Oh, no. What happened?
Are you okay?
Makoto.
Who did this?
Boss.
Boss, I was stupid.
I'm sorry.
Don't be a fool. Just stay with me.
Boss.
Forgive me.
Of course. I was the stupid one.
Hold me.
Makoto.
Come on. Makoto.
Boss.
Just hold me.
Don't leave me alone.
No. I don't want to die. - You're not dying.
I don't want to -
Makoto. Makoto!
This is what he does.
I'll testify. I'll tell you everything.
If I had testified back then,
Makoto wouldn't have had to die like this.
KATSUMATA ARRESTED AGAIN
TACHIBANA TESTIFIES FOR PROSECUTION
PROSECUTORS BUILD SOLID CASE
PEACE RETURNS TO COMMUNITY
UDAKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
What the hell is this?
Why do you even want these?
Why don't you shoplift something nice?
Like diamond rings or pearl necklaces.
What is this stuff?
Sit down.
I brought you something. I know you have a sweet tooth.
Okay.
You're going to eat these
after I leave.
Got it?
You got it?
They look good.
Katsumata?
FUNERAL SERVICE
- Counselor. - What is it?
You won't believe this. Katsumata's dead.
He killed himself with poisoned cake.
- Why? - I don't know.
It just happened.
And the guy who brought the cakes to him?
He was long gone. We couldn't find him.
This is the end of the road.
A gangster of his rank knows when to go, I guess.
This is an unexpected ending.
We worked so hard.
We finally shed some light on his crimes.
Now that Katsumata's dead, there's nothing for us to do.
You could say
that he was the source of evil and violence in this city.
Kano. Takaishi.
Get a warrant to search Katsumata's office.
Excuse us.
Look. We haven't had a sky this clear in a long time.
I'm sure people in this city will feel a lot safer now.
I hope so.
All we ever wanted was to make our city safer.
My father must be happy.
No.
This is all wrong.
We've been going in circles.
What do you mean?
What's wrong, Tachibana?
I've wasted so much time.
It wasn't Katsumata.
He said it himself.
He was just another disposable thug.
The mastermind is still out there.
- Do you have any proof? - Proof?
He's not going to leave anything behind.
- Then why - - I just know it.
Unless we get him, this city will never be safe.
- Who is it? - I don't know.
How do we get him?
I don't know.
You know what?
Maybe Tachibana's right.
I've looked at every angle of this case.
But every time I followed a lead, I hit a dead end.
Katsumata was the real deal.
For a young yakuza, how did he get the money?
Katsumata isn't alone on this.
We're not getting a clear picture of what's really going on.
Nothing in this city makes any sense.
I realize this now.
So you haven't figured out -
I don't have anything on anyone.
Suppose we knew who he was, what could we do?
We can't touch the guy unless we have something solid.
So, when we know who he is, we're not going to do anything?
Not until we have evidence against him that's admissible in court.
I don't get it.
Where is the justice? Society demands justice.
Look at this.
A fool killed the wrong man with this knife.
For that, I spent five long years in prison,
and I'll be forever known as an ex-con.
But I killed the guy for nothing. There is a ringleader.
My friend sent me a letter.
He's Keiko's fiancé. He found me a job in Tokyo.
He says even someone like me can live a normal life there.
He says I should come right away.
But how can I leave now?
I can't, until I find this man.
I'll see this through. I want to face up to this knife.
To Makoto.
And to your late father, Mr. Nishida.
- You mean my father was - - Yes.
What do you think we should do?
If you can't touch him,
I should deal with him.
My anger drove me to kill a man, and that was a mistake.
This time it's different.
If I get punished by the legal system again,
I couldn't care less.
I'll do it. You'll see.
I want to see justice done.
What do you think?
Which of us is right? Me or Tachibana?
In theory, you're right.
But I understand where he's coming from. I feel for him.
I feel the same way.
Sometimes I can't stand the laws I have to follow.
Tachibana is right.
But we shouldn't let him make the same mistake twice.
I don't know how to convince him.
Can you try?
Okay.
I'll try.
I'll do as much as I can.
Great. I'm counting on you.
Give me that.
Keiko.
He's the rat.
He's been giving up information using the deaf guy here.
But Takaishi is -
That's right. You don't know what you're -
I just saw them communicating.
Keiko, take a look at these notes.
The deaf guy was on his way back to Katsumata's office.
"Katsumata's office is about to be searched.
Get out of there."
I get it.
You put Makoto in that room and had him killed.
No. No. I was just -
You were just what?
- Tachibana. Don't hurt him. - He's not human.
He's not worthy of our mercy.
If we rough him up, he'll come clean.
He will.
What's this?
I'm an amateur radio operator. It's a ham radio.
To hell with that.
Stop lying.
Please, tell the truth.
I am telling the truth, Tachibana.
I don't know who's on the other end.
I don't know his name. I've never met him.
But every day at 9:00 p.m., he gives me orders.
What's your excuse for what happened at Katsumata's today?
I'm so sorry,
but this has gotten out of my control.
I'm concerned for my own safety.
Please.
I want out.
I want to go home to my village and work on a farm.
You're a bit of a coward, aren't you?
Call me whatever you want. I'm quitting.
I want you to pay me.
How does 500,000 yen sound?
Well, well. I didn't see this coming.
If you refuse -
I know. What you've done for me is worth it.
Meet me at the Seibu landfill in one hour.
I want to thank you in person. You'll get your money then.
You see? Wasn't I right?
What's wrong?
Where are you going?
Uncle Mano.
Keiko?
Miss Keiko.
What is it?
There you are.
Where did he go? What time did he leave?
I'm not sure.
He just left a few minutes ago. He said he'd be back soon.
Mano.
- Takaishi? - Yes.
- Thank you for your years of service. - I'm sorry I have to quit.
It's okay. I appreciate what you've done.
Here you go.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
There you go again.
You killed Takaishi.
Who the hell are you?
It's me. Tachibana.
You killed my girlfriend, Yuki. That Tachibana.
Chairman of the council by day, big mob boss by night.
You're good.
You fooled us all.
You fooled Nishida's daughter. You fooled your own son.
Guess what.
You can't fool me.
You've deceived Keiko for all these years. And your own son.
You killed Yuki.
My true love.
You don't want to do this.
Yes, I do.
Wait.
Do you want to go back to jail? Another crime on your record?
Shut up.
If I can get rid of scum like you, I don't care.
Hey.
You son of a bitch.
I'll kill you.
I'm gonna kill you, bastard!
Stop it. Please!
Don't do it.
I feel the same way, but we can't do it.
Please.
Help.
Please help me.
Tachibana.
Thanks.
For stopping me.
I can't control my anger. - That's not true.
I can't do it.
I haven't changed at all.
Keiko.
If you don't help him now -
It glows in the light of the darkness
Ever so quietly
My only companion
My rusty jackknife
I came all the way
To cry for you
I always end up here
At the end of the road
THE END
THE RUSTY KNIFE